Congratulations, Biola University Class of 2017!

President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), Shirley V. Hoogstra, delivered the fall 2017 commencement address

Approximately 450 students graduated from Biola University today — more than 170 graduate students and more than 270 undergraduate students. President of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), Shirley V. Hoogstra, delivered the fall 2017 commencement address.

“And for our graduates here tonight, Shirley Hoogstra you model the sort of vocational integrity I hope they [students] will emulate: someone who is professionally, spiritually, and relationally invested in a noble cause,” said Biola President Barry H. Corey at the commencement ceremonies. “And the cause you champion so diligently is the very cause we celebrate here tonight: men and women who from a foundation of God’s truth have been educated in mind and character to impact the world for Jesus Christ.”

As president of the CCCU, Hoogstra combines her passion for law and Christian higher education, promoting the integration of faith into a liberal arts education. Hoogstra serves on the board of several community organizations and schools, including the New Haven County Bar Association and Calvin College. She earned a bachelor’s in education at Calvin College and a juris doctor, with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Prior to her role at the CCCU, Hoogstra served for 15 years as vice president for student life at her alma mater, Calvin College. She also spent more than a decade practicing law as a partner at a firm specializing in litigation in New Haven, Conn.

Hoogstra gave the address at both ceremonies, which were held in Chase Gymnasium. The first ceremony at 2 p.m. included Biola’s Crowell School of Business, School of Fine Arts and Communication, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Science, Technology and Health. The second ceremony at 7 p.m. included Cook School of Intercultural Studies, School of Education, Rosemead School of Psychology, and Talbot School of Theology at 7 p.m.

Of the students participating in the ceremony, 25 undergraduate students were inducted into Biola’s honor society, Epsilon Kappa Epsilon — a prestigious award given to students who have excelled in academics and in community involvement during their time at Biola.